Writers have traveled to New York City in search of inspiration for generations. In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the city functioned as the center of the print publishing world. Outside of finding other writers, NYC was the perfect place to come to experience culture. Famous writers of the twentieth century were regularly going to plays, writing reviews, and visiting art galleries to fuel their writing.
Restaurants in novels are usually an amalgam of a few different places, but some are direct references to existing restaurants in New York City, usually in Manhattan. For literary fans, there are plenty of restaurants still standing where famous writers spent their days. Start your bookish tour of New York City with these 10 favorites.
The Odeon: Party Like It’s 1984
When it opened in 1980, the Tribeca French bistro became a staple of New York City nightlife with its iconic neon sign. Jay McInerney’s 1984 novel Bright Lights, Big City follows a character through the downtown party scene at this restaurant.
Today the menu focuses on French favorites like steak-frites, and mixes in other comfort food like chicken pot pie and eggplant milanese. Its reputation as a hotbed of literary and artistic cultures makes it a must-visit for any bookish foodie. 145 W. Broadway, Tribeca, theodeonrestaurant.com
Il Buco: Idyllic Inspiration for Gothic Horror
This eclectic Mediterranean spot is the perfect stop for a mystery novel obsessive or someone looking to tap into a bit of gothic horror. Though the restaurant opened in 1994, legend has it that Edgar Allen Poe got his idea for The Cask of Amontillado while in the basement of a tavern. After all, the story revolves around a man luring his wine-loving friend into his family’s catacombs and then bricking him up alive.
That inspirational building now houses the Il Buco on Bond, though no gravesite resides downstairs. There is, however, plenty of wine to stir sinister plots, or simply to pair with the seasonal rustic fare.47 Bond St., NoHo, ilbuco.com
White Horse Tavern: The Poet Hangout
In a city famous for constant novelty, this old writers’ haunt remains, complete with the original tin and wood ceiling. It was a favorite of midcentury literary luminaries like James Baldwin, Jane Jacobs, Hunter S. Thompson, and Jack Kerouac. The Welsh poet Dylan Thomas (who apparently still haunts the place) loved it because it reminded him of home. Enjoy brunch, dinner, and bar staples like nachos and chicken wings while romanizing the poets who stained the space. 567 Hudson St., West Village, whitehorsetavern1880.com
Minetta Tavern: Famous Men, Famous Burger
Eddie Sieveri opened Minetta Tavern in 1937, named after the Minetta Brook. It was a speakeasy before Prohibition ended. Frequent guests included Ezra Pound, Ernest Hemingway, and E.E. Cummings. Joe Gould, who wrote An Oral History of the Contemporary World, was such a regular that he had his mail sent there.
In 2009, the restaurant reopened with a French-bistro menu, with throwback options like vol-au-vents. And try the Black Label Burger: everyone says it’s one of the best in the world, much like the talent who used to hang here. 113 MacDougal St., Greenwich Village, minettatavernny.com
The Algonquin: Meet the Vicious Circle
Prominent writers in New York City were famously cliquey. Take the “Vicious Circle” of the Algonquin Hotel, a group populated by Dorothy Parker, Edna Ferber, Robert Sherwood, Franklin Adams, and more. The artists met regularly at the 124-year-old venue to discuss literature, art, and theater.
Nowadays, you can visit The Blue Bar & Restaurant for themed cocktails and an eclectic menu designed like a book and peppered with quotes from the aforementioned talent. It’s the perfect setting for a critical book discussion group that channels the original crowd. 59 W. 44th St., Midtown, algonquinhotel.com
Old Town Bar & Restaurant: A True Literary Landmark
Originally opened back in 1892, this bar truly earned its name. It’s operated as a bar and restaurant in whatever way it could since originally constructed, including as a speakeasy during Prohibition. The famous neon sign went up in 1937, and can be seen in movies, television, and music videos.
The Irish poet Seamus Heaney was a consistent patron, as well as Dermot McEvoy and Frank McCourt. The food is classic bar fare with big salads, burgers, and sharing appetizers. It comes up to you in one of the city’s oldest dumbwaiters. The architecture adds a layer of inspiration for today’s budging historical fiction writers. 45 E. 18th St., Flatiron, oldtownbarnyc.com
Pete’s Tavern: It’s Giving
Operating as a bar since 1864, this bar and restaurant has seen New York City through its many industrial changes. William Sydney Porter, whose pen name was O.Henry, wrote the famous short story The Gift of the Magi during his visits to the bar in 1903.
The food menu is wide-ranging, with seafood and steak and pasta options all day. The dining room includes photos of the famous guests all over the walls, so you can walk around and spot your favorite writers. 129 E. 18th St., Gramercy, petestavern.com
Caffé Reggio: Spread the Beatnik Magic
If you’re looking for the coffee house vibe of the 1960s, this is the place to go. During college, beatnik writers Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac went frequently to drink cappuccinos. Additionally, British-American poet W.H. Auden penned plenty of prose here.
For the full coffee house experience, bring a journal and sip an espresso at one of the small and crowded cafe tables. Stop in for breakfast and get a crepe and waffles, then return for dinner and a cocktail to discuss the next Great American Novel. 119 MacDougal St., Greenwich Village, caffereggio.com
The Knickerbocker Hotel
Officially opened in 1906, the hotel was one of the first luxury high-rise destinations in the city. The Great Gatsby author F. Scott Fitzgerald lived there as a resident for a time, and the hotel is featured in a chapter of his first novel, This Side of Paradise, released in 1920.
The property has been refurbished, but maintains the Beaux-Arts style that made it a famous destination for writers. It has a few different options for dining, such as the Charlie Palmer Steak IV steakhouse and the St. Cloud Rooftop bar. If you really want to channel Fitzgerald, try the Martini Lounge since legend has it that the martini was invented right here. 6 Times Square, Midtown, theknickerbocker.com
Housing Works
For contemporary books and writerly events, Housing Works should be on the must-visit list. It’s a longtime thrift store that’s raised money to support people diagnosed with AIDS and experiencing homelessness.
The main location of the bookstore has a mix of new titles and vintage wares. It’s a regular event stop for current writers too, so don’t be surprised if you see it pop up in modern literature. Expect book talks and special panel events. The café is a perfect place to sit down and get inspiration to write while sipping coffee, nibbling pastries, or imbibing with a cocktail. 126 Crosby St., SoHo, housingworks.org
